New Zealand and the Bologna Process

3ForewordSince its inception in 1999, the Bologna Process has had a significantimpact on European higher education. As the implications of Bolognaspread globally, it is important for New Zealand to engage with these highereducation reforms.Bologna provides New Zealand with an opportunity. We can use theBologna framework to enhance our international connections and ensureour graduates can access study and labour opportunities around the world.Using Bologna’s tools and practices, we can improve the recognition ofNew Zealand qualifications and the development of our quality assuranceprocesses.New Zealand’s tertiary education system is already comparable to theBologna ideal. Our three-level degree structure, Register of Quality AssuredQualifications, quality assurance standards, efforts at increasingparticipation in tertiary education, and policies that promote institutionalautonomy, all closely align with the key elements of the Bologna Process.Further work has been undertaken across the tertiary education system tobuild on this high level of comparability. New Zealand has acceded to theLisbon Qualification Recognition Convention, is investigating theintroduction of a Diploma Supplement, and is verifying the comparability ofthe Register of Quality Assured Qualifications with Ireland’s NationalFramework of Qualifications.At the same time as enhancing our engagement with Bologna, we havealso focused on ensuring our tertiary education system relates to othereducation systems around the world and maintains its own individualcharacteristics. The strength of New Zealand’s tertiary education system isits commitment to national goals and to the communities it serves.Karen SewellSecretary for EducationMinistry of EducationDr Karen PoutasiChief ExecutiveNew Zealand Qualifications Authority